It’s All About the Kitchen eBook
A Guide to Kitchen Remodeling
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Contents
It’s All About the Kitchen……..………………..……….……..3
Kitchen Cabinets…………………………………………….……..4
Kitchen Countertops………………………………………………..8
Kitchen Lighting………………………………………………….12
Kitchen Floor……………………………………………............15
Kitchen Wall Treatments………………………………………….20
Kitchen Windows……………………………………………......23
Kitchen Doors and Hardware……………………………………..26
Establishing Priorities – Needs, Wants and Desires……………...28
Kitchen Remodeling Checklist……………………………..32
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“It’s All About the Kitchen”
A kitchen isn't just a place to cook, it also can be a decorative mix of various building materials. On average,
Americans who are remodeling their kitchen spend about 16 percent of their budget on labor; the rest is spent on
materials. And what awesome materials they are -- they're beautiful, practical, durable, and environmentally
responsible. Exciting advances at every budget level are available for today's kitchens, so the sooner you start
learning about all your kitchen remodeling options, the better. We'll dissect all the main kitchen remodeling
materials in this article, including:
•
Kitchen Cabinets - No kitchen is complete without the perfect kitchen cabinets. Kitchen Designers Ideas
will show you what options you have in terms of types of material, cabinet accents such as knobs and pulls,
style and construction, and types of finishes. Learn the difference between in-stock cabinets, semi-stock
cabinets, and custom kitchen cabinets. Get insider information about working with a kitchen cabinets
expert and discover innovative ideas for making the most of out the space you have. Find out if you really
need all-solid wood cabinets, or if a combination construction would serve your needs.
•
Kitchen Countertops - A kitchen countertop is another big-ticket item. As with cabinets, there are
numerous types of kitchen countertops from which to choose. The primary options include laminate,
ceramic tile, wood, marble, and granite. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages -- the trick is to
figure out which kind of countertop works best with your particular kitchen. We'll help sort everything out
in this section by examining the different kinds of kitchen countertops.
•
Kitchen Lighting - Most people who are remodeling their kitchen don't consider lighting to be a primary
consideration. They should. Visibility is vitally important in an area where you're working with knives and
other potentially dangerous cooking tools. In addition, the proper lighting can give your kitchen a warm
and homey feeling. In this section, we'll examine the ins and outs of kitchen lighting, from halogen lights to
incandescent bulbs. We'll also offer advice on choosing kitchen lighting fixtures.
•
Kitchen Wall Treatments - The first rule in choosing wall treatments is to coordinate them with your
cabinets. Paint is a popular wall treatment because it's relatively inexpensive and easy to clean (which is
always a prime consideration with a kitchen). If you want something a little less common, you can go with
wallpaper or paneling. Whatever you decide, don't underestimate the importance of wall treatments. We'll
tell you about all your options in this section.
•
Kitchen Windows - Let the sunshine in! The right kitchen window will do just that, providing a bright and
cheery place for you to do your cooking. Your window choices range from double-hung to sliders -- we'll
tell you about these options and others. The window treatments you pick are equally important. They add
character to your windows, and to your kitchen as a whole. Cafe curtains are a popular choice, while
matchstick or bamboo shades add a more novel element to your kitchen decor. In this section, we'll show
you which wall treatments will work best for you.
•
Kitchen Doors and Hardware - When it comes to kitchens, a door isn't just a door. It not only provides
access to your kitchen, but it also offers an opportunity to add another decorative touch. Your options
include glazed doors, swinging doors, and sliding doors -- all of which we'll discuss in this section. Kitchen
hardware -- such as cabinet knobs and window cranks -- really offer an opportunity to spice up your
kitchen. The right hardware can tie together all of the materials in your kitchen. In this section, we'll
provide suggestions that will aid you in the tricky task of choosing kitchen hardware.
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Kitchen Cabinets
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), most people spend about 52 percent of their
kitchen remodeling budget on cabinetry, so it pays to do it right. The dominant element in any kitchen, cabinets
can be as utilitarian-looking as the appliances around them or as warm
and stylish as the rest of the home.
There are more than 200 cabinetmakers in the United States alone and
scores more in England and Europe, and they each offer a multitude of
style options. Cabinets come in two main varieties -- stock, or massproduced to standard size specifications, and custom, which are made
to order for your kitchen. Some makers offer "stock custom" options; a
wider range of stock choices with modifiable elements you can mix and match to create custom solutions.
To estimate the cost of the new cabinetry you've chosen, your installer will determine the number of wall cabinets,
base cabinets, and specialty units (pantry-type cupboards, lazy Susans, appliance garages, open shelving, and so
on). Here's a look at the different elements to consider when choosing cabinets:
Kitchen Cabinet Exteriors
Cabinet styles and materials come in numerous varieties. For a sleek, contemporary look, you might explore
European frameless cabinets, cabinets with brushed metal inserts, or cool, laminate cabinets in solid colors or faux
stone patterns. Plain fronts and simple (or outrageously inventive) door and drawer pulls seal the look. For lovers
of traditional style, raised-panel cabinets are classics; archedtop "cathedral" panel cabinets are especially elegant.
Traditional hardware may be as simple as plain wood, Shakerstyle pulls or as elaborate as Chippendale-style brass handles.
Beyond the options available in cabinet door and drawer styles
and hardware, you also can modify your contemporary or
traditional look with formal or casual finishes. Dark mahogany
or cherry finishes bespeak formality, whether the style is
modern or 18th century. Pine is a perennial, casual favorite. Naturally finished maple is on the semiformal side due
to its fine grain; naturally finished oak's prominent grain makes it definitely casual. Any wood given a bisque, or
whitewashed, finish is casual in a romantic sort of way.
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Perhaps the most classic solution is cabinetry painted gloss white. This look can lean toward either formal or
casual, depending on hardware and accessories. And don't forget about colorfully painted cabinet sections; they're
a great way to further your scheme and create the European look of freestanding kitchen furniture. (To really give
practical built-in cabinets the freestanding look, choose cabinets with toe-kick spaces and furniture feet.) New
cabinets are most often the solution in kitchen remodelings, but if your old cabinet interiors are in good condition
and you like your kitchen's layout, you may decide to simply reface your existing cabinets for about half the cost of
purchasing entirely new cabinets.
The process basically involves installing new doors and drawer fronts and applying coordinating surface veneers to
all visible exterior areas. Some companies reface only with laminates; others offer a limited array of woods as
well. Most cabinet refacing companies can build additional custom units to match the refaced units. Solid-door
cabinets aren't your only choice, especially in today's freestanding-look kitchens.
While an unbroken line of upper cabinets is a contemporary favorite, many people like the variety open shelves
and glass-front cabinets provide. Glass doors come with mullions
(wood dividers) in traditional styles.
A word of caution: Open shelves are a popular part of today's
kitchen look, but the combination of airborne cooking grease and
everyday dust can mean more dusting and wiping than many
people would like.
For an open look without this drawback, consider glass-door
cabinets. Or, if you really want open shelves, opt for dust-hiding,
midtone colors or wood tones and an easy-to-clean, glossy surface.
Kitchen Cabinet Interiors
You can magnify the storage space of any cabinetry with savvy interior fittings. One of the best is a corner cabinet
fitted with a lazy Susan to provide 360-degree access to supplies. Appliance depots or garages -- often with sliding,
hinged, or tambour (roll-top) doors -- keep mixers, toasters and other small appliances dust-free and out of sight.
The best compartments are fitted with outlets for the added convenience of using the appliances right there where
they are. European-style spice drawers at counter height help you avoid the common error of storing fragile flavors
above the heat source. Deep drawers also work for stashing unsightly but necessary items like a garbage bin or
household cleaners.
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In fact, any time you can use a pull-out drawer rather than an unfitted cupboard, you'll do well; especially for
cookpots and other heavy items. Produce bins keep fresh fruits and vegetables out of sight behind closed doors but
well ventilated for a longer shelf life. Deep, narrow spaces, fitted as slide-out cabinets, are perfect for big pan lids,
cookie sheets, and other unwieldy items.
Your cabinets won't look quite right if they're not complemented by fashionable countertops. In the next section,
we'll tell you how to pick out laminate, solid surfacing, ceramic tile, wood, marble, or granite countertops.
Other Kitchen Storage
Pot racks and plate racks are charming, open ways to store good-looking kitchen items. Even if your kitchen's
never had a pantry, or if you, like many homeowners, have appropriated the pantry space to create a larger kitchen,
you can still have the benefits via a pantry wall.
This storage system offers floor-to-ceiling storage for
packaged and canned goods on shelves behind double doors or
in a series of cupboards. Many pantry-style cupboards have
plastic-covered vinyl racking installed in the doors for extra
storage.
Above-cabinet storage for baskets and little-used, large
cooking utensils is a practical and attractive solution for those
who don't mind dusting them when they are taken down from
storage. And don't forget about tall, narrow cabinetry for
storing brooms and mops, plus overhead shelving to keep household cleaners away from children and pets.
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Kitchen Countertops
About 11 percent of your kitchen remodeling budget will be used for countertops. Counters offer a great
opportunity to create a fashion statement, and the price ranges are as varied as the styles. Whatever your
preferences, rounded corners on countertops are a smart move
for safety's sake.
For the sake of your budget as well as for specific performance
needs, feel free to mix several different kitchen countertop
materials in different areas of the kitchen. Mixing countertop
materials is a practical and attractive option. Marble works
great for pastry-making, but you don't need a glossy stone
surface on which to unload grocery bags or pile up dirty dinner
dishes. Butcher block is warm, but you don't want it next to the sink, where it might get water damaged. You like
the elegant look of granite, but it's a bit out of your price range for a whole kitchen.
So why not mix and match? Today's kitchen design trends favor the warmth and character created by mixing stone
(or faux stone) and wood counters in different areas. You might choose butcher block or marble for the counter on
which you plan to prep vegetables or roll out pastry, while solid surfacing is used for other countertops.
And you might want to use real granite on a high-visibility kitchen island with coordinating faux granite laminate
on perimeter counters. Most natural materials now have attractive synthetic alternatives that incorporate
photographic reproductions of "the real thing," so countertops at every price point look better than ever. Take a
look at your options:
Laminate Kitchen Countertops
Economical and good-looking, laminates consist of layers of decorative paper sandwiched together and laminated
with a patterned paper on top, all bonded to a particle-board countertop surface. From elegant faux-marble and
granite looks to fun and funky, '50s boomerang designs,
laminates respond to every fashion look.
Laminates have good stain, abrasion, and moisture resistance,
but scratches and nicks do show and can't be repaired. (An allover pattern on the dark side minimizes visible marks, and
color-through laminates show less evidence of wear.) You'll
also need to protect laminate counters from hot pots, which
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can cause irreparable scorches and even melting. Specify a rolled edge or another color of laminate trim on the
counter's edge to eliminate the black edging line between the two planes.
Solid Surfacing Kitchen Countertops
Nonporous, seamless surfaces are made of a blend of acrylic and/or polyester resins with mineral fillers for a
smooth feel that's similar to natural stone, but not as cool to the touch. Available in solid colors and in faux-stone
patterns, solid surfacing is easy to clean and maintain; burns or stains often can be repaired or buffed away.
This material is also more workable than stone: Contrasting colors and shapes can be pieced together for a custom
design; the material can be routed for elegant edge designs. An integral solid-surfacing sink is an appealing and
practical option. Solid-surfacing material comes with impressive warranties when installed by a professional
fabricator.
Ceramic Tile Kitchen Countertops
Made of high-fired clay with a baked-on colored surface,
ceramic tile resists stains, water, and heat and will last a
lifetime with normal care. It also offers endless customcolored options, including luxurious hand-painted designs to
coordinate with any motif.
As with any surface cut into tiles rather than in slabs, you'll
have to contend with cleaning grout, but today's cleaners make
short work of that task. Some grouts have been treated with mildewcides, and the current trend toward midtone
grout means less visible staining.
You can also ask that tiles be laid close together to reduce grout line maintenance. Like natural stone surfacing
materials, tile is not resilient, so it's tough on dropped glassware.
Wood Kitchen Countertops
Practical, naturally warm, and handsome, wood can be finished, left unfinished, or periodically refinished. Because
wood is susceptible to warping and cracking from moisture, wood countertops are most often made of butcher
block (many small, thick pieces of wood glued together).
Wood is also susceptible to stains and burns and, because it's porous, should be regularly cleaned with an
antibacterial cleaner. (Many people feel more comfortable cutting raw meats on a nonporous cutting board.) For a
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low-sheen surface, you should order your wood countertop without a gloss sealant, and plan on preserving it with
an occasional mineral oil application, rubbed in well. For a glossier look, specify a polyurethane-finished surface.
Marble and Granite Kitchen Countertops
Marble and granite are the luxury choices of surfacing material and can easily last a lifetime or longer. Highly
polished, smooth-edged stone costs more than unpolished surfaces and rough-hewn edges, but the smoother the
countertop is, the easier it is to keep clean. Marble's cool, smooth surface is perfect for making pastry, but it is
porous and can be stained, so regular care and sealing (with
salad oil in food prep area, commercial sealer elsewhere) is
important.
Granite is much less porous than marble but can be stained by
grease. Granite doesn't scratch, and chips on the corners can be
repaired. Thickness of the countertop greatly affects the price.
If it's in your budget, specify your slab stone so it's strong
enough to survive shipment and fabrication and sturdy enough
to be used as an unsupported counter overhang. Usually installed in counter-length slabs, natural stone is also
available in somewhat less durable tile form for easier installation and lower cost.
Since the quarrying and finishing of many running feet in a single slab is what makes stone countertops so
expensive, smaller pieces can help make stone more affordable. As with ceramic tile, have your marble or granite
tiles laid close together to eliminate grout line maintenance. To make your new countertops really shine, you'll
want to choose the right type of lighting. In the next section, we'll show you the best ways to light up your kitchen.
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Kitchen Lighting
You'd think a room in which sharp knives and boiling liquids are used would get serious attention when it comes to
visibility, but lighting is often one of the last considerations in kitchen design. In too many kitchens, a central
ceiling fixture leaves the cook working in his/her own shadow, for example. Others feature enough fixtures but not
enough wattage.
One of the challenges is that poor lighting is
hard for the average person to detect; the
kitchen just may not "feel right." If your
family didn't tend to congregate in your old
kitchen, look at this renovation as a chance to
see the space in a whole new light. A lighting
plan for your kitchen requires the same
elements as for any other room.
You'll need the right mix of ambient (overall)
lighting to illuminate the space; task lighting
to provide illumination for specific activities;
mood lighting to create atmosphere; and
accent lighting to draw attention to special collections or artwork. If yours is a multipurpose kitchen that opens to
adjacent rooms, it's especially important for light to adapt to a wide variety of situations: cooking, dining,
entertaining, or just relaxing in softly lit repose while life goes on in a neighboring space.
What's required? More variety in light fixtures, both decorative and concealed; and dimmers (rheostats) on every
light switch. In addition to ceiling-mounted fixtures, many people choose to install strip lights under every upper
cupboard that has a work surface counter below. The effect is dramatic as well as very practical. Here's a look at
the wonderful world of kitchen lighting:
Kitchen Lighting Types
•
Fluorescent lighting tubes, a favorite during the post-WWII era of "kitchens-as-sanitary-labs," fell out of
favor in later decades. Fluorescent lamps (the replaceable bulbs or tubes) are costlier to buy than
incandescent bulbs, but they cost significantly less to operate, which is why they're still used so extensively
in commercial settings. Fluorescent fixtures are energy efficient, throwing off much less heat than halogen
or incandescent bulbs, but the resultant light is cool, too. The effect may be "cold," with a blue-green cast
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that's at odds with the warm, hospitable ambience you'd like for a kitchen. Recent improvements have made
more natural, "warm white" fluorescent lighting available.
•
Incandescent bulbs, the most common residential lighting source, impart a warmer, more yellow light but,
at the same time, heat up the room more. These bulbs are widely available and come in a broad range of
wattages, tints, and sizes to fit virtually any style of lighting fixture, whether it's traditional or
contemporary.
•
Halogen lights, the most recent de-velopment, create intensely bright, sunshine-quality light from a
relatively small bulb source. Halogen bulbs are costly, however, and must be used with great care. Because
they generate such intense heat, these bulbs pose a greater fire hazard than other lighting types and should
not be used near kitchen curtains or where they may come into contact with plastic materials.
•
Contemporary and retro-style kitchens take naturally to fluorescent lights, including whimsical neoncolored options. Traditional-style kitchens fit easily with warm incandescent light, and all styles are at
home with halogen, which most closely mimics daylight.
Kitchen Lighting Fixtures
The options are practically limitless. Contemporary fixtures in
chrome and colored glass are often simple and Space Age
inspired, hanging like jewels in the functional space.
Traditional fixtures go beyond the ubiquitous stained-glass
pendant lamp to include classical sconces, green glass-andbrass banker's lamps, white hobnailed milkglass shades, and
more.
Halophane lamps, evolved from vintage warehouse fixtures, bridge traditional and modern looks; their ribbed-glass
globes create a soft light with a chic profile. To supplement bigger fixtures, hanging halogen lamps, which use
tiny, low-voltage bulbs, make big lighting possible with very unobtrusive fixtures. For contemporary-style
kitchens, track lights with incandescent or halogen bulbs combine spotlights with floodlights and let you aim the
light wherever you choose.
Recessed spotlights or floodlights are the most unobtrusive choice and provide excellent ambient and task lighting,
but they are costlier to install because they require cutting holes in the ceiling. If they're an option, recessed lights
may be your best bet if your goal is today's light levels with yesterday's charm.
In the next section, we'll move onto the part of your kitchen that suffers the most wear and tear: the floor.
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Kitchen Floors
Kitchen flooring will cost an average of four percent of your kitchen remodeling budget, and, given the stress a
major remodeling puts on the floor, you can count on spending a little extra to get your floor into shape.
In general, lighter-colored flooring of any kind makes a room seem larger, as does laying tiles on the diagonal
rather than parallel to the walls. Larger tiles, 12X12 inches and up, are at home in contemporary-style kitchens and
have the advantage of minimizing grout lines. Some traditional looks work best with smaller tiles; small tiles are
also what you'll need if you want to design patterned floors or borders.
Below, we'll examine the various choices you have when it comes to kitchen flooring:
Vinyl Kitchen Floors
Available in sheets or tiles, vinyl is today's most popular kitchen flooring because it's durable, easy to install, easy
to maintain, and inexpensive compared to most other flooring
materials. On the fun side, vinyl also offers the greatest range
of styles at a price, from '50s boomerang motifs to ancient
Roman marble tiles.
Better-quality vinyl flooring features "inlaid construction" with
color and pattern uniform throughout rather than printed on
top, for richer color and less noticeable nicks. Top-of-the-line
vinyl floors have a thick urethane wear layer that offers the
most shine and shine retention, as well as the greatest stain resistance.
Mid-range vinyl may also offer a urethane wear layer, but it won't be as thick; lower-range vinyl has a vinyl wear
layer that's best for households without pets and kids. Sheet vinyl, best installed by a professional, eliminates tile
lines or possible lift-up due to standing water. Vinyl tiles with self-stick backs can be easily and quickly installed
by just about any homeowner. Tiles also let you design patterns or borders using several colors.
Linoleum Kitchen Floors
A leading kitchen flooring material until after World War II, when America fell in love with plastic, linoleum is
staging a comeback. An environmentalist's delight, linoleum is made of all natural products -- linseed oil, pine
resin, and wood floor.
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Inexpensive and durable, today's linoleum comes in matte-finished solid colors and marbleized patterns. It is ideal
for retro-style kitchens, especially those striving for a 1920s to 1950s feel. It is also a very affordable option for
people with lower budgets.
Laminate Kitchen Floors
One of the newer synthetic flooring options, laminate flooring looks like wood, stone, or marble because the
pattern is actually a photograph of the "real thing." Laminate flooring is made of multiple layers of material
including a super-hard plastic top layer over a layer with a photographic imprint of wood or stone. It's many, many
times more wear-resistant than countertop laminates and can usually be laid directly over an existing floor. Proper
installation is crucial. Although laminate can be installed by a savvy do-it-yourselfer, it is best handled by an
experienced pro.
Wood Kitchen Floors
Hardwood kitchen floors can last a lifetime and harmonize
with just about any kitchen decor. Warm, natural, and resilient,
wood floors only gain charm and character with life's
inevitable nicks and dents.
Rustic oak, with its pronounced grain, is great for casual or
country traditional-style kitchens; fine-grained maple and
cherry create richly elegant looks; ash, beech, and birch are
sleek and modern. Other handsome favorites include hickory, pecan, walnut, mahogany, and teak. Soft woods,
most often pine, have a country-style charm but do show wear and damage more than hardwoods.
Wood flooring comes in several forms.
•
Plank flooring features boards three to seven inches wide and three-quarters of an inch thick that are cut to
lengths up to about eight feet. Wide planks show off the grain of the wood and are associated with
traditional looks, especially when wood dowels, plugs, or decorative nails are used to anchor the boards.
•
Strip flooring features narrow boards (under three inches wide). Versatile and attractive, strip flooring
works for both casual and formal, traditional and modern rooms. Ideally, boards should run parallel to the
room's long axis. Using only "shorts" (boards shorter than 18 inches) makes a room look larger. Special
effects can be created with borders of different woods.
•
Parquet is patterned wood flooring made of 5/16-inch-thick geometric shapes puzzled together to create
larger pieces about eight- to twelve inches square. Of course, more pieces mean more opportunities for
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moisture to seep in and warp or loosen flooring, but with its multidirectional patterns, parquet is less likely
than strip or plank flooring to draw attention to a floor with irregular dimensions. While historic purists
advocate natural oil treatments to resist moisture and staining, most people today choose a polyurethane,
moisture-cure urethane, or waterbased urethane finish. Some wood floors are given an aged, distressed
finish at the factory or after installation; for authentically aged floors, some homeowners seek out
dismantled barn planks to plane and install as flooring.
Rubber Kitchen Floors
A popular flooring in health-care, restaurant, and other commercial settings, rubber floors are an ingenious solution
for creating commercial-style kitchens at home. Among the most resilient and comfortable floorings to walk and
stand on, rubber floors are easy to clean and are extremely forgiving of dropped glassware. Offered in textured
sheets or tile, rubber floors may last 20 years.
Ceramic Tile Kitchen Floors
A decorative building material since ancient times, ceramic tile retains its colorful charm virtually forever. Made
of clay that is pressed, glazed, and fired, ceramic tile has
many stonelike qualities: It stands up easily to hot pots and is
cool to the touch, but it is tough on dropped glassware.
Ceramic wears for ages but, like stone, can chip or crack
under heavy abuse.
Colors and designs are literally unlimited. In addition to a
vast selection of beguiling patterns, you can custom-order
tiles that are hand-painted with color schemes and motifs you
personally specify to coordinate with your kitchen.
High-gloss finishes make it easy to wipe splatters from countertops and walls, but for floors, it's safer to select
matte or textured-glazed tiles to reduce slipping when the surface is wet. To minimize grout discoloration from
mildew and food stains, specify a grout with mildewcide in the mixture or a midtone grout (taupe and gray are
practical and popular), and use a mild bleach cleaner.
Quarry and Terra-Cotta Tile Kitchen Floors
Rustic and handsome, quarry tile is a mix of clay, shale, or earth extruded to produce an unglazed tile. Terra-cotta
(literally "baked earth") tile is made of clay that's been fired but left unglazed. Some terra-cotta tiles come with a
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baked-on sealer; other terra-cotta tiles and quarry tiles should be sealed to prevent permanent staining. These tiles
may also be glazed for more lustrous color and a more refined look.
Natural Stone Tile Kitchen Floors
Limestone, tumbled marble, and slate tiles are among the most elegant flooring choices available. These tiles share
properties with marble, granite, and other stone materials, but
are valued as much for their interesting textures as for their
colorations. Natural stone tiles must be sealed to prevent
stains.
The right wall treatments can really bring out the flooring, as
well as the other materials in your kitchen. We'll examine
kitchen wall treatments in the next section.
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Kitchen Wall Treatments
Whether or not there's a lot of kitchen wall space left on view after the new cabinets and appliances are in place,
you'll want your walls to support your decorating scheme. If your kitchen redo involves more decorating than
remodeling, you'll be pleased at how much of an improvement new wall treatments can make.
Coordinate the wall treatment style and color with your cabinets, or, if your cabinets aren't being replaced, consider
painting them to match the new wall color. Either way, you'll cool the clutter and create a more spacious, calming
look, whatever your style. Here's what you need to consider:
Kitchen Paint
Paint is the kitchen wall treatment that's easiest to change, easiest to clean, and least expensive. Many experts
recommend "eggshell" paint (paint with a slight sheen) for walls and semigloss paint for trim in homes without
kids and pets, and semigloss walls and high-gloss trim for
homes that need to endure more wear and tear.
All the usual recommendations about paint effects apply to
kitchen paint. Light colors dry lighter and dark colors dry
darker than they appear when wet, so buy a small amount and
test it on your wall before making a commitment to gallons.
Light colors will make your kitchen look more spacious and
cool; midtone and dark colors will make it look cozier and
warmer.
Traditional styles usually feature white or other contrast-color trim; contemporary styles feature walls and trim of
the same color. If you plan to use both wallcovering and paint in your kitchen, choose the wallcovering first. It's
much easier to custom-mix a paint to match a wallcovering than it is to find a wallcovering containing the exact
color of your paint!
Don't overlook the elegant potential of special faux-finish effects with paint. Sponging and ragging, for example,
can create a sense of airiness or rustic charm. A breakfast nook or pantry door is a great place to create a sense of
vista with a classic trompe l'oeil still life or garden scene.
Kitchen Wallcoverings
If you want a more complex color scheme or pattern than paint makes possible, or if your walls are in less-thanpaint-perfect condition, wallcoverings offer dimension, warmth, and eye appeal with surprisingly easy care.
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Modern kitchen wallcoverings bear little resemblance to fragile wallpapers of yore. They're also a world away
from the less-than-inspiring looks that used to be available in coated wallpapers for the kitchen.
Today, kitchen wallcoverings are as beautiful and subtle as traditional wallpapers for other rooms, but they're not
just spongeable, they're scrubbable. Traditional-style rooms are made for wallcoverings, and you can find motifs
inspired by just about every historical period, each in a wide selection of colors.
Many wallcovering companies offer carefully researched collections that are adaptations of actual historic
wallpapers, recolored for today's tastes. Others replicate the colors as well as the patterns of historical papers, if
you're really intent on a historically correct impression. And, while paint is generally less expensive than paper, if
you want a trompe l'oeil picture, it's probably going to be much less costly to purchase a length of scenic paper
than it would be to commission a painting. Modern rooms don't have to do without wallcoverings, either.
In addition to nostalgic motifs from the 1920s to 1950s, wallcoverings that simulate sponging, marbling, stippling,
and other timeless faux-finishing techniques are plentiful.
While rooted in ancient techniques, these styles work
beautifully in contemporary kitchens.
Kitchen Paneling
From rustic, cabin-style kitchens to elegant European kitchens,
wood paneling can create a mood like no other wall treatment.
Unless your kitchen gets lots of natural light and is on the
large side, you probably will want to keep the wood tones on the naturally pale side. Whitewashed wood is a great
compromise if you want a beachside or cottage look; it delivers the warmth of wood and the space-expanding
qualities of white.
Like other wallcoverings, paneling is a fine solution for less-than-perfect wall surfaces, providing dimension,
warmth, and subtle visual interest. Wood paneling upkeep is much the same as for cabinets, and natural wood
tones have the advantage of hiding fingerprints and smudges.
A key element of kitchen walls -- the windows -- are addressed in the next section.
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Kitchen Windows
The windows are a key part of any kitchen remodeling project. There are two things to consider with kitchen
windows: the treatments and the windows themselves. We'll start by examining the window treatments.
Kitchen Window Treatments
The classic charm of cafe curtains is often associated with kitchen window treatments, but these aren't the only
choice. Fabric valances make pleasing toppers to cafe cute; sets and are great for traditional and retro decorating
schemes. Roman shades are chic solutions for neoclassical or contemporary spaces. Metal mini-blinds are also fine
in modern rooms and have the added advantage of furthering any color scheme and being more fire resistant than
other window treatments.
Matchstick or bamboo shades are a novel
approach that adds an especially pleasing
touch in kitchens showcasing an ethnic flair. In
natural tones, they offer the plus of hiding
dust. You may decide on an elaborate
treatment in an eat-in area, but it's best to keep
fabrics, tassels, and such well away from the
cooking arena.
For a dramatic look without a lot of drape,
consider pelmets (hard valances jigsawed out
of thin wood) to frame your windows. If your
kitchen opens into a great room or family room, try coordinating the window treatments. They don't need to match,
but they should relate.
If your family room draperies are patterned in blue and gold, for example, consider a honey-hued bamboo shade or
a solid blue mini-blind for the kitchen. If you've got elaborate burgundy floral draperies in the great room, think
about a burgundy plaid in the kitchen, and line or trim the great room draperies with a bit of the plaid. In general,
keep kitchen wallcoverings a bit simpler than those in adjoining rooms.
Kitchen Windows
Windows may be custom, semicustom, or stock, but they're all constructed to fit snugly in the window opening
provided. You can choose from aluminum, vinyl, wood, aluminum over wood, and vinyl over wood, depending on
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your needs and budget. Whatever material you prefer, the best news about double- or triple-pane windows is that
separate storm windows are a thing of the past.
•
Aluminum is the most economical material but may conduct cold, heat, and moisture. It's maintenance free,
but if you elect to paint it, it requires yearly maintenance like any other painted outdoor surface on your
home.
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Vinyl is also maintenance free and cannot usually be painted successfully, but it comes in a range of
popular trim colors as well as in white.
•
Wood, the classic window frame material, is still favored for many high-end and historic homes.
Casement - More common than double-hungs are casement windows, which are actually an older, simpler style
than double-hungs. Casement windows are hinged on the side and can swing in or out to provide complete
ventilation. They usually operate with crank handles, making them easy to operate, even when placed above
counters and sinks. Make sure your casements are hinged
to swing outward, or you'll need to allow space in front of
the window for opening.
Decorative Windows - Decorative windows are available
in many shapes and sizes, but among the most pleasing is
the half-round, sometimes called Palladian after the classic
architect Palladio, who popularized them. Half-round
windows can be positioned above doors, above other
windows, or in shallow wall spaces to bring in more light
and create architectural interest. Quarter-round and elliptical versions are also available.
Doors and hardware are the final two items on our list. In the next section, we'll cover these kitchen materials.
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Kitchen Doors and Hardware
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Kitchen Doors and Hardware
The doors and hardware complete the look of your kitchen. So before you start your kitchen remodeling project,
you need to find out more about these materials.
Kitchen Doors
Glazed doors let in the light, but they also pose a greater security
issue than solid doors. Sliding doors are contemporary classics,
at home in modern or retro rooms. They allow easy access to
patios and decks and eliminate the need to sacrifice floor space
for door swing.
For a romantic traditional look, French doors are the style of choice. These hinged, swinging doors traditionally are
used in pairs and open from the center. If possible, they should open to the inside, although this does require
allotting door-swing space.
Kitchen Hardware
Kitchen hardware -- window cranks and pulls, cabinet knobs and handles, door and drawer pulls, and more, are
often called the jewelry of the room. They don't have to match, and, in most cases, you won't be able to match
them. But do keep the number of different looks to a minimum.
For example, don't mix shiny brass, brushed brass, chrome, brushed nickel-finish steel, white-enameled metal, and
so on, all in one room. Rather, pick two or three colors/finishes and stick with them, and keep in mind any
hardware visible from an adjoining great room or family room. You'll want to stay with a complementary look.
In general, bright and brushed/antiqued brass hardware are considered elegant traditional, nickel-finish steel is
traditional, wrought iron or wood is rustic traditional, and shiny chrome and enameled steel are modern. However,
shape can also affect whether a particular metal "reads" modern or classic. You have more choices than you may
think.
Use hardware to personalize your kitchen. If you don't like the standard knobs that came with your stock cabinets,
shop for novelty ones you like better. Why settle for a plain chrome knob when you can have a knob or pull that's
an antiqued brass acorn, a verdigris frog, or a pewter-look miniature fork?
After all, creating a new and improved kitchen may be work, but you can still have fun and indulge your taste
when choosing your materials. And let's face it: Taste is what a kitchen is about!
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Establishing Priorities –
Needs, Wants and Desires
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Establishing Priorities – Needs, Wants and Desires
To help plan your budget, you need to develop a list of “Needs,” “Wants,” and “Desires.” This list helps you prioritize
the styles and functional elements you want to see and ultimately stay within your budget. To create this list, we
recommend the following steps:
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Make a list of everything you don’t like about your current space. Once you think you have a pretty good list of
“dislikes” - you can always add more later - take a few minutes to number this list with one being the most
important change you need to make.
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Go through all of the design ideas you have gathered and make a second, separate list of every design and
functional element you want to see in your new“It’s All About the Kitchen”.docx space. Be sure to leave room
for new ideas that may come up as you’re shopping. Draw three columns to the right of your list labeled
“Need,” “Want,” and “Desire.”
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With your list of “dislikes” close by, begin going through your list of new features. For each one, if it clearly
addresses one of the things you dislike about your current space, put a check in the “Need” column. If it does
not, put a check in the “Want” column for something that adds value, or a check in the “Desire” column if it is
simply an “oh wow” item, like decorative molding or chocolate glaze. This is one of the most important steps,
and the challenge here is to remain honest with yourself.
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Prioritize all of the items in each of “Needs,” “Wants,” and “Desires” columns, beginning with number one as
the most important. Compare the item to what it “fixes” from your first list to help determine how important it
might be. You might need to repeat this step a couple of times to make sure you are happy with the order.
•
Rewrite the entire list, in the order you have just selected. This last step may seem trivial, but it gives you a final
opportunity to make changes and adds a little peace of mind that you were thorough.
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Things I Dislike About My Kitchen
Problem or Challenge
Priority
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Needs, Wants, and Desires
Style and Functional Elements
Need
Want
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Kitchen Remodeling Checklist
General
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What do you like most about your current
kitchen?
What do you dislike most about your current
kitchen?
Does the kitchen relate to adjacent rooms the way
you would like?
What is the overall style preference for your new
kitchen (contemporary, formal, traditional,
country, other)?
Do you plan to use wood cabinetry in your new
kitchen?
If yes, do you prefer light or dark wood? Painted
or faux finished?
Use
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Storage
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What types of activities do you envision taking
place within the kitchen (sit-down dining, laundry,
homework, paying bills, computer center,
phone/message center, other)?
Where does your family currently dine? Where
will they dine after the remodel?
If you want to eat family meals in your kitchen,
how many people would you typically need to
accommodate at mealtime?
Do you want your kitchen area to be open to a
family room, den or other area?
Do you entertain? How often? What is your
entertainment style (formal or casual)?
Are your gatherings typically small or large? Are
they more mix-and-mingle or formal sit-down
affairs? Do your guests help you in the kitchen?
If you are not using a dine-in kitchen table, what
type of everyday seating would you use (bar
stools, chairs, booth, bench seating or none)?
What entertainment features might you want to
incorporate (e.g., separate beverage area, wine
storage, glasses, etc.) into your kitchen design?
Cooking/Preparation Areas
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Who is the primary cook in the family? What is
the primary cooking style (quick and simple,
family meals, gourmet meals, microwave meals)?
Is mealtime a family affair? How many people
are normally involved in food preparation?
Would additional or separate work areas be
helpful?
Plan for the location of like items. For instance,
the sink, dishwasher and recycling center might be
adjacent; or you may want spices and cooking
utensils near your stove/oven area.
Don’t forget traffic flow in and around your
kitchen. Is there a back door? Easy access to the
fridge (the most frequently used kitchen
appliance)?
Is there enough counter space for appliances you
use every day? Would you prefer these
appliances be built-in or stored away?
Is there a gourmet in the family who requires
special equipment such as an extra-large
refrigerator, oven or cooktop?
Would a separate vegetable sink or indoor grill be
ideal features?
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How do you usually shop (by meal, for the week,
in bulk, canned goods)?
Do you have enough accessible storage for bulk
and everyday food items, Tupperware,
entertaining/serving items?
Do you want to showcase any kitchenware or
serving items in glass or cabinets?
Do you require any additional storage for items
currently housed elsewhere in your home? What
about linens, fine china or other pieces that you
may now keep in a hall closet, china hutch, attic
or garage?
Do you need areas which are safeguarded from
children?
Do you require a recycling center?
Lighting
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Do you need additional task lighting in specific
work areas? More lighting overall?
Is the kitchen open to a shared family space?
Perhaps ambient or low-level cabinet lighting
(above or below) would be beneficial?
Other Considerations
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Are your appliances in good working order or will
you need new, energy-efficient models?
What type of countertops do you envision?
Do you have enough electrical outlets/circuits in
the right places to support food preparation on a
large scale (e.g., Thanksgiving dinner for 12)?
If there is a window, is it ideally situated for a
view of the backyard, garden or other preferred
area? Does it let in enough light?
If there is a back door, is it ideally situated for
access to the backyard, patio or entertaining
areas?